Man Sentenced for Crash While Having Sex

Published 3:02 pm, Monday, April 25, 2016

A man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a crash that killed his girlfriend while they were having sex behind the wheel.

Sonny Morris El, 32, was convicted last month of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs but acquitted of reckless homicide in the January 2002 crash that killed Kristina Valerio, 25, who was on Morris El's lap as he drove.

Tests showed that Morris El had marijuana in his system when his car crossed the center line of U.S. 34 near Monmouth while the couple had sex. The vehicle collided with a tractor trailer.

The crash left Sonny Morris El, 32, with the mental capacity of an 11-year-old, according to his attorney. Before his sentencing Monday, Morris El called his actions "foolish" and said the accident "opened my eyes not to take life for granted."

State's Attorney Chip Algren asked for the maximum 12-year prison term, arguing that Morris El lived a life of "total irresponsibility" before the collision.

Public Defender Scott Shipplett sought probation, saying that Morris El did not intend to harm Valerio.